Children's Health Issues on the Rise

It has been said that only what we do for children and our communities, is lasting. Childhood is supposed to include some of the most memorable times in our lives. During these years, we are fascinated by everything around us, such as a red ladybug crawling on the petal of a flower. However, as thrilling as the world seems to us, the impact of sickness can be equally devastating. That makes the steadily increasing of children’s health problems quite disturbing.

Youngsters Face High Blood Pressure

For example, children and even infants can suffer from high blood pressure (hypertension). Usually problems involving the heart or kidneys, or prematurity cause high blood pressure in babies. In children, high blood pressure is typically linked to an unhealthy way of life, and a family history of the problem. Approximately 4.5% of children suffer from high blood pressure, with the rate’s increase most likely due to childhood obesity. If an illness is not causing the hypertension, it can be treated with relaxation methods, healthier diet, increased exercise, weight loss, and lowered salt consumption.

Threat of Juvenile Diabetes

Diabetes is another major health problem of children. Around one out of every 400 to 600 children and adolescents suffer from type-1 diabetes. When a child lacks an ample amount of insulin in her body, glucose cannot enter the body’s cells. This results in diabetes. Symptoms of diabetes include constant thirstiness, frequent exhaustion, weight loss, and recurrent urination. Diabetes can be treated by checking the child’s blood sugar levels, getting insulin injections, exercising, and sustaining a special diet.

Health Problems of Obese Children

Some health problems of children, such as obesity, can impact their inward functions and outward appearance. Generally, children today are living a more couch potato-like lifestyle and exercising less. Furthermore, children’s consumption of fast food has skyrocketed, due to our modern hectic lifestyle. Today, overweight children comprise about 10% of 2-5-year-olds, and more than 15% of kids aged 6 to 19. Obesity in children often results in hypertension, high cholesterol levels, and type-2 diabetes. Healthy diets and more exercise can help to reduce obesity in children.

Lack of Health Coverage in Children

Lastly, children’s health problems can involve both their physical and mental health. Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental problem that results in impulsive behaviors, an inability to stay relaxed, a failure to stay focused, and being easily agitated. Experts are not certain what causes ADHD. The disorder is typically treated with a blend of psychosocial therapy and medicine (i.e. Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Cylert).

A lack of health care worsens major health problems of children. About 9 million children in the U.S. do not have a health plan. Some experts have proposed solutions such as increasing funding for the national Children’s Health Insurance Program. Since children represent our world’s future, that would be a healthy investment.

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